Postal workers at Burslem delivery office step up their dispute by extending their current 15 day strike by a further fortnight.
The 100 strikers, member of the Communication Workers Union (CWU), are refusing to deliver mail until at least 16th January following a meeting between workers. The extension came ahead of talks between the union and Royal Mail.
Postal workers are striking to defend twelve colleagues who were suspended in September. Royal Mail is refusing to allow their case to be heard by an independent appeals panel despite concerns over bullying and harassment by managers. The strike was due to finish on 2nd January 2008 but will now continue until 16th January unless Royal Mail moves the issue to an independent appeals panel.
CWU Midlands secretary Lee Barron said: "Staff met on Friday morning and decided to give Royal Mail more dates to continue strike action."
There are also reports that managers brought in to cover the strike are leaving mail locked in post boxes instead of delivering it. This constitutes willful delay of the mail which is a serious offence.
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